Eating healthy and keeping up a rigorous exercise routine can be hard for anyone, but is especially difficult for flight attendants. Crazy schedules, bad hotel gyms, easy access to the First Class dessert cart, and all the delicious temptations layovers provide mean that many flight attendants gain weight when they start flying.
Instead of stressing about calories the whole time here are some easy and fun ways to stay healthy, active, and svelte as a flight attendant. You can have your cake (or croissant, or macarons, or gelato) and eat it too!
Drink Lots of Water
Between working long hours on super dry planes and indulging in alcoholic or caffeinated beverages (hello cappuccinos and wine!), it is all too easy to get dehydrated while flying. Avoid fainting onto a baggage carousel like I once did in the Frankfurt airport by having at least one glass of water for every hour you are on a plane. Once you’ve landed, have a glass of water before leaving your hotel, bring a bottle of water with you, and have a glass of water with every meal (plus an extra glass to counteract any dehydrating things you might be drinking). As a bonus, drinking lots of water will help keep your skin looking pretty and make you feel more full, so you’re less likely to overeat.
Focus on What You’re Putting Into Your Body, Not What You’re Keeping Out
Rather than stressing about dieting or restricting yourself, focus on ensuring that your body gets nourishing foods throughout your trip. This might mean having a green smoothie one morning for breakfast or getting a salad with your pizza. It’s just a simple difference in mentality, but it helps you stay focused on the positive (healthy foods) rather than the negative (things you can’t or shouldn’t eat). It can make a big difference in your eating habits and keep your body well-fueled for all of your adventures!
Tip: In addition to eating nutritious foods, bring some vitamins and Echinacea, an herb that helps fight infections, with you. You’re exposed to lots of germs when you travel, and they’ll give your body an extra boost to help ensure you don’t feel under the weather.
Walk Everywhere
Walking is by far my favorite way to get to know a city and it’s an easy way to get in a few miles without even noticing. Eschew the metro or taxi line and try to explore the city on foot as much as you can. Many cities have free walking tours or you can make your own by plotting out all the must-see sights before you head out the door. You’ll burn calories and see things you might otherwise miss!
Choose Active Adventures
Like walking everywhere, choosing active adventures lets you fit in some exercise and burn calories while exploring your destination. Bike rentals and tours are an affordable, easy way to get out and about and a good hike can provided a wonderful chance to see the countryside and experience nature. If you’re extra adventurous, try your hand at kayaking, horseback riding, skiing, whitewater rafting – the sky is the limit! You’ll get your heart pumping and it will be much more exhilarating than working out at another hotel gym!
Go For a Run
Running is one of the best and simplest ways to torch calories, and a trip can be the perfect opportunity to spice up your running routine. Do some research beforehand to find suggested routes, pack some cute gear, and the world becomes your running track! If you’re feeling extra motivated, sign up for a race at your destination. The courses often provide fabulous, unique views of a city and offer the safety of a marked course with a large group.
Remember to always stay safe when running in an unfamiliar city, especially if you’re running by yourself. Avoid unlit areas, pay attention to your surroundings, and let somebody know when you’re leaving and when they should expect you back. I usually ask the front desk or a local athletic store if they have any suggestions about running routes and make sure there’s no neighborhoods or areas I should avoid.
Turn Your Hotel Room or Gym Into a Private Studio
You don’t have to forego your favourite fitness classes just because you’re flying! Subscription-based services and online or app-based versions of instructional videos mean you can get your booty in gear anywhere, anytime. There are apps that let you create a customized workout schedule at studios both at home and around the world, and some other apps that provide access to thousands of instructor led workouts no matter where you are (I always use an app on my runs!).
Shannon Hill
Blogger @ Tramontanetravel
Flight Attendant, USA
